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Thread ID: 115618	2011-01-26 23:24:00	IT job search with the more experienced.	Nomad (952)	PC World Chat

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
1172800	2011-01-27 06:59:00	When you say "IT hardware side", what do you mean by that? It could vary anywhere from assembling/repairing PCs like a number of PressF1 members do, through to designing enterprise hardware platforms. If you can give us a better indication of what you want to do, and what sort of experience you have, someone here might be able to help you out. I mean as a graduate with a Diploma, A+, Network+, MCP; that's more the hardware side. As a graduate, enterprise equipment might be too advanced for them. So probably more desktop PCs or in an organisation that are networked. Yes, like fixing and setting up office workstations. School has the careers person. That can always be helpful. I've had a look on SEEK, under the hardware category, pretty much asking for engineering experience. Under the maybe more appropriate category "Helpdesk and IT Support", pretty much all of it was Helpdesk. The guys I know who graduated and got jobs all work in Helpdesk. Those that have CCNA, or a desktop tech or a lesser (level 4) client support diploma. Some of them went to uni and then went to a technical school, some just went to directly to the technical school. Obviously there are guys who are already working in IT and just come in the evenings to get the certs. But they are on a different boat than us. I am the type that just cannot do telephone work. I'm also in my 30s. I come from a financial background, never worked in IT before.	Nomad (952)
1172801	2011-01-27 07:33:00	I mean as a graduate with a Diploma, A+, Network+, MCP; that's more the hardware side . As a graduate, enterprise equipment might be too advanced for them . So probably more desktop PCs or in an organisation that are networked . Yes, like fixing and setting up office workstations . School has the careers person . That can always be helpful . I've had a look on SEEK, under the hardware category, pretty much asking for engineering experience . Under the maybe more appropriate category "Helpdesk and IT Support", pretty much all of it was Helpdesk . The guys I know who graduated and got jobs all work in Helpdesk . Those that have CCNA, or a desktop tech or a lesser (level 4) client support diploma . Some of them went to uni and then went to a technical school, some just went to directly to the technical school . Obviously there are guys who are already working in IT and just come in the evenings to get the certs . But they are on a different boat than us . I am the type that just cannot do telephone work . I'm also in my 30s . I come from a financial background, never worked in IT before . Hmm . . . ok - I'll let you know if I hear of anything, but it sounds like the sort of stuff you want to do is sort of like the next step up from helpdesk - i . e . people who the helpdesk staff will get to visit a user and fix their computer . I know a couple of people in those sort of roles (I think their official title is "Support Technician" or something to that effect) who spend their days going around fixing PCs which the helpdesk can't do remotely . They both started on the helpdesk answering phones and moved up once they got more experience .	somebody (208)
1172802	2011-01-27 07:47:00	:thanks That's the issue I might be facing. I knew I was going to take a hit on the salary drop but didn't thought so many entry roles are telephone based. Many jobs you could avoid that.	Nomad (952)
1172803	2011-01-27 19:05:00	That's the issue I might be facing . Is that your point? You're new to IT but you want a better role straight off? Like Desktop Support? Hell I have enough trouble getting that sort of thing . Too many IT people, they want experienced and/or specialists . General support people are a dime a dozen .	pctek (84)
1172804	2011-01-27 20:24:00	Is that your point? You're new to IT but you want a better role straight off? Like Desktop Support? Hell I have enough trouble getting that sort of thing. Too many IT people, they want experienced and/or specialists. General support people are a dime a dozen. At the time I thought it might of been similar to other jobs to a lesser extent. That there are jobs away from phones even at the entry level. I don't even mind doing office admin as long as it's IT related ... One of the things I may consider is get into IT Audit instead using my b/ground and now the IT skills I have gathered (at school at least). I do enjoy numbers with spreadsheets and databases. Thou I have meet those who hated software and just want to get into hardware, one even booked a flight to Melbourne later in the year when he expects to finish his course. I know a few people who might in their 50s (not me yet) who might be graduating soon. That can be difficult for them to do telephone support.	Nomad (952)
1172805	2011-01-27 21:09:00	you can always volunteer for i.t experience :)	forums12345 (15197)
1172806	2011-01-27 21:20:00	I know a few doing that but they are the younger lot, they been with a firm for job experience as part of the course, but they remained on unpaid for 3 months counting ... Fulltime. For me thou, I arn't in my 20s .. cannot live like this forever. Maybe I shoulda did software, that would be more relevant getting back into a desk job. Data mining or Data Intelligence; whatever its called. So many helpdesk roles for IT. Other jobs yo get administrator, assistants, PAs, receptionists, or just go temping on a week by week basis as you are required by the employer .....	Nomad (952)
1172807	2011-01-27 21:22:00	IT is all about who you know rather than what you know sadly:( I have being looking for very long time I get interviews but thats it!	forums12345 (15197)
1172808	2011-01-27 22:11:00	IT is all about who you know rather than what you know sadly:( I have being looking for very long time I get interviews but thats it! Yes and no . It takes a lot to stand out from the masses and being able to present your CV and cover letter in a way that stands out and makes your potential employers want to hire you is all part of the deal too . I learned that from getting my current job, and looking back on my original CVs, its no wonder I didn't get any jobs prior to getting a lot of help in that aspect :yuck:	Bozo (8540)
1172809	2011-01-28 05:52:00	IT is all about who you know rather than what you know sadly:( I have being looking for very long time I get interviews but thats it! Although "who you know" plays a role, I don't think it's significantly different to any other industry - at least not in my experience. In any industry, sometimes having "contacts" in the right places can be extremely helpful to get a job. Being the "right" candidate is what will ultimately get you the job - what counts as "right" can include factors all the way from technical expertise through to people skills, attitude, and personality. The last two jobs I've gotten are with companies I knew very little about. In fact, I wasn't even aware the company I'm working for now existed before I applied for the job.	somebody (208)
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